Roc-A-Fella Records
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| Roc-A-Fella Records | |||
| Image:Rocafellarecords1.jpg | |||
| Parent company | Universal Music Group | ||
| Founded | 1995 | ||
| Founder | Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke | ||
| Distributing label | Island Def Jam | ||
| Genre(s) | Hip hop, R&B | ||
| Country | U.S. | ||
| Web address | http://www.rocafella.com | ||
Roc-A-Fella Records is one of the largest United States hip hop/rap record labels. It was co-founded in New York City by hip hop mogul Damon "Dame" Dash, Kareem "Biggs" Burke, and Shawn Carter who is known as multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z in 1995. The label is part of The Island Def Jam Music Group. From 1996-2004, its biggest star was Jay-Z; currently, Kanye West is its most successful artist.
Contents |
History
The initial upstart was created out of frustration to attempt to secure a record deal for Jay-Z. The group began pressing records, selling them out of their trunks and requesting time on mix radio. This showing of independence and self-sufficiency impressed Priority Records so much that they agreed to support the release of Jay-Z's debut album Reasonable Doubt in a joint venture with Roc-A-Fella.
The break for Roc-A-Fella came after Jay-Z decided to record several tracks for his album with a then-unknown Foxy Brown. Foxy Brown's label Def Jam Recordings was initially opposed to the pairing of the two rappers, but were soon charmed by Damon Dash and his new record label. Today Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam enjoy a profitable, mutually-beneficial relationship. From 1997 to 2003, Roc-A-Fella maintained its success on the hip-hop scene primarily through Jay-Z, and since then has remained a significant label due to the popularity of rap newcomer Kanye West.
The name Roc-A-Fella is a play on Rockefeller, a rich and powerful New York family. It is a limited liability company that folds its own company's assets through Def Jam and also profits through its releases. Roc-A-Fella has been successful in starting the careers of Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and Amil. Notably most of Roc-A-Fella's releases came from Jay-Z. Newcomers such as producer/rapper Kanye West, Freeway, Cam'Ron, Young Gunz, and rock singer Samantha Ronson released albums under Roc-A-Fella. The label also was responsible in signing Wu-Tang Clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard on Roc-A-Fella.
Roc-A-Fella has ventured into producing movies. Paid In Full, State Property, State Property 2 and The Woodsman were some of their notable successes. Other ventures included Rocawear, an urban apparel clothing company and Roc4Kids, a community outreach program started by Dame Dash to support students. Roc-A-Fella has also invested in Armadale Vodka, and also its publication America. Roc-A-Fella has generated earnings in the tens of millions, and loves it some hen fap.
The Split of Roc-A-Fella
Roc-A-Fella successful years as an independent hip hop label came to an end as of 2005. Island Def Jam, already holding a 50% stake in the company, bought out the remaining half and announced that Jay-Z would become the president of Def Jam Recordings. The announcement also meant that Dash and Burke were released as co-owners of Roc-A-Fella.
Industry insiders believed that Jay-Z was opting from the label to form his own franchise and signed Foxy Brown to his label S. Carter Records. The label has also seen trouble from the arrest of Beanie Sigel over attempted murder charges, and Dash facing lawsuits from an alleged rape victim. Roc-A-Fella and its artists were assigned to either Jay-Z or Dash. Those who stayed with Roc-A-Fella included Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz and multi-platinum producer and rapper Kanye West.
Roc La Familia
Jay-Z also expanded the Roc-A-Fella label to include reggae, and Latino music. Juan Perez was appointed the president of the label and officially signed Houston native Aztek Escobar and New York rapper Tru Life to the franchise.
Dame Dash Music Group
Not deterred, Dash and Burke decided to start their own label. The moguls started the Dame Dash Music Group and establish Nicole Wray, Rell, Grafh, and Sizzla as its current artists. The lineup also included former Wu-Tang Clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard, who was going to release an album for the label before his untimely death in 2004. Dash also still is invested in management of former artists: Latin Prince, N.O.R.E. and Cam'Ron. There is also investment in Team Roc, the sporting division of Rocawear whereas proceeds go to Roc4Life, a children's outreach program. Dash operates DDMG as a joint venture with Island Def Jam.